Jan 1, 2007

Saddam's execution video is at the top list video in Youtube for the end of the year of 2006 and for the beginning of 2007. Here's Tun Mahathir's comment on the execution of Saddam Hussein.

(CNA) KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysian former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad on Monday described the execution of Iraqi president Saddam Hussein as a barbaric act.

Mahathir who had expressed "horror and disgust" over the trial and sentencing of Saddam to death said the execution was sanctioned by US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, whom he labelled as war criminals.

"On the holy day of Eid, the world watched in horror at the barbaric lynching of (former) President Saddam Hussein of Iraq," Mahathir said in a statement.

"The lynching was also an insult to all Muslims, as it occurred on the holy day Eid, whereby Muslims devote themselves to prayer and forgiveness. This barbaric act is a sacrilege," he added.

Mahathir, who is a member of the International Committee for the Defence of President Saddam Hussein, condemned the broadcast of graphic pictures showing the last moments of the former leader just before his execution.

"This sadistic act broadcast to the whole world is a travesty of justice, and was meant to demomstrate the imperial power of the United States," he said.

Mahathir stepped down as Malaysian premier in October 2003.

Saddam was hanged on Saturday after the Iraqi High Tribunal found him guilty of crimes against humanity in the case of 148 Shiite civilians who were killed in revenge for a 1982 attempt on his life. - AFP /dt